SPS SMART 4000 is coming soon

SPS SMART 4000 is a promising surface combat ship project being developed by the Spanish Navy. The concept is a frigate with a hybrid diesel-electric power plant that combines efficiency, maneuverability, and low noise. The special shape of the rotor and nozzles significantly reduces vibrations and acoustic signatures, which increases the ship's stealth. The armament includes modern air defense systems and an experimental electromagnetic cannon (railgun), making the ship suitable for operations in high-risk areas.

Let's take a closer look at it!

Armament:

 1. Teseo MK2/E missile battery [2x1]

 2. Teseo MK2/E missile battery [1x1]

 3. OTO Melara Railgun (127 mm) cannon [1x1]🔒

 4. SMART Launcher grenade launcher (300 mm) [2x1]🔒

 5. RAH-66 Comanche helicopter [1x1]

 6. MPLS SM4 autocannon [1x1]🔒

 7. CDL MSTS air defense [1x1]🔒

 8. SIMBAD-RS air defense [3x1]🔒

The arsenal of this frigate is impressive in its diversity, albeit not the largest in terms of quantity, but no less powerful and versatile. It is worth noting the successful placement of the strike weapons—a total of three missile batteries and a powerful OTO Melara Railgun with explosive shells are located at the front of the ship's hull. This allows the ship to carefully emerge from cover and relatively safely deploy these types of weapons, quickly firing a volley at the enemy and rapidly retreating. Enemy submarines can be repelled and counterattacked using the SMART Launcher high-powered grenade launchers, exclusive to the frigate, and the MPLS SM4 anti-submarine automatic cannon, capable of automatically attacking any underwater targets. The ship's defense against air targets is provided by the SIMBAD-RS air defense missile system, which has a fast reload time, as well as the CDL MSTS combat laser complex with a high-density beam. And, of course, traditionally located at the stern of the ship is a RAH-66 Comanche helicopter on a platform, capable of performing a wide range of reconnaissance and strike missions.

What is the gameplay like on this ship?

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Pros:

-The main strike arsenal is located in the front of the hull.

-A versatile set of weapons for attack and defense.

-Excellent maneuverability.

-Two tactical consumables (electronic warfare and smoke screen).

-Presence of an anti-submarine automatic cannon

Cons:

-Limited air defense, suitable for air and missile defense only in the near zone

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Gameplay on the SPS SMART 4000, due to its defensive armament, does not involve participation in combat operations on the front lines, given the relatively small number of air defense systems. It is, of course, capable of repelling small missile strikes or air strikes from drones or helicopters, but it will be very difficult to cope with anything more serious. It may make sense to stay close to an ally with an impressive array of air defense systems, but the best tactic would be to move away from the main battlefield at the start of the battle and strike with missile batteries, railguns, and grenade launchers with high-velocity projectiles. By the middle of the battle, when a couple of enemy ships have been sunk by joint efforts with allies, it is already worth starting an attack on the enemy's rear or flank. Next, the priority will be to destroy the enemy aircraft carrier in order to eliminate the threat from the sky for yourself and your team.

What is the result? The new Spanish frigate brings with it a fairly trivial but nonetheless interesting gameplay experience for a support ship. Its key advantages are maneuverability, stealth, and powerful offensive weapons in the bow, making it ideal for flanking attacks and ambush tactics. However, its weak air defense limits its effectiveness in frontline combat, requiring support from allies and careful positioning in battle.